Social Entrepreneurship In Lebanon
Developed By:
Beyond Group
In Partnership With:
European Union
Badael Consortium
2020
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Social Entrepreneurship In Lebanon
A Proposed Policy Framework For Economic Inclusion & Social Solidarity In Lebanon
Lebanon has been going through a major economic, political, environmental and social crisis that was exacerbated by the Covid19 pandemic and sea port explosion of August 4th 2020, both of which have pushed the country deeper into turmoil.
The culmination of years of mismanagement and lack of effective policies, paired with local currency devaluation, has resulted in the rise of social challenges and inequalities, the increase of unemployment, the spiking of poverty and the plummeting of living standards across Lebanon.
Over the past decade the government has made shy attempts at addressing these issues through multiple policy initiatives with the aim of creating jobs, boosting the economy and maintaining social stability, however, social challenges and inequalities continue to be on the rise particularly in the marginalized areas.
There is a need to parallel governmental efforts with innovative solutions for social, economic and environmental problems, and to do that, Social Entrepreneurship presents itself as one core strategy. Social enterprises represent a model to innovate solutions for existing needs, to foster collaboration, inclusive growth and job creation, and to contribute to social, economic and environmental development at the local, regional and national levels.
Putting in place an enabling environment for social enterprises is critical if they are to fullfil their potential in addressing social, economic and environmental challenges, and promoting more cohesive and inclusive societies. In fact, an enabling regulatory environment would benefit social enterprises, the social entrepreneurship ecosystem and citizens in general.
This policy brief was developed by Beyond Group following the facilitation of a consultative process that included social enterprises and ecosystem actors in Lebanon.
Organizations that have provided input, feedback and support throughout the consultation process include:
Al Fanar
Al Jinane University
Al Majmoua
Artisan du Liban
B.O.T
Berytech
Coordinamento delle Organizzazioni per il Servizio Volontario (COSV)
Economic and Social Fund for Development
Fondation Diane
IDAL
Kafalat Lebanon
Social Enterprise Association (LSE)
Lebanese International University
Live Love Lebanon
Make Sense
Namlieh
OXFAM Lebanon
Riyada For Social Innovation
Seeds For Legal Initiatives
Shift
Social Innovation Hub
Souk Al Tayeb
Souk.LB
UNICEF Lebanon
Université Saint Joseph – Ecole Sociale